Winter conditions can transform even familiar routes. On this hike, Striding Edge offered its usual exposure, but Helvellyn’s summit trig point was still iced over, changing the descent.
The route taken was
Glen Ridding car park,
up and over Striding edge.
The weather was nice on the route up, but unexpectedly Helvellyn's trig point was still very icey and snowy making the descent onto Swirrial edge dangerous without spikes so we walked Whiteside pass back to the car.
6 hours in total.
The photographs show both the sharp ridges and the snow-covered summit. Even with good weather on the climb, frozen ground demanded a change of route on the way down.
Hill walking isn’t just about the views — it’s about adjusting to conditions. These images document the challenges and rewards of winter routes in the Lake District.
